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Elsie E. Portzline
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Elsie Elizabeth Portzline, 91, of Sierra Vista, AZ formerly of Gratz, PA passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2009 in Tucson, AZ. She was born in Gratz, daughter of the late John. F M. and Carrie L. (Maurer) Schminky and has resided in Arizona for the past 10 years. Mrs. Portzline graduated from the Williamstown, PA High School. In earlier years she was a member of the Gratz Civic Club. She and other civic minded residents hosted card parties to raise money for the Christmas light display in Gratz each year. She was active with the Historical Society, helping to publish a book on the established families of Gratz. Her paternal grandfather, Isaiah Schminky was the town physician and her maternal grandfather was the last Civil War veteran in the area. She was the youngest and last of nine brothers and 3 sisters. Elsie loved her family. Her first husband, George G. Felsburg Jr. passed away in 1949. She married Elwood Portzline on November 22, 1969; he predeceased her in May, 1980. She is the beloved mother of Sharon L.(Joseph C. Ford) Lake of Sierra Vista, AZ; she was the proud grandmother of Michelle (Harry)Ain of Tucson, AZ, Melissa (Robert) Maack, of Mountain Home AFB, ID and Meredith Easlick of Sierra Vista, AZ; her great grandchildren, Alexis and Kyle Easlick, Gavin Ain, Kayla and Skylar Maack. She leaves numerous nephews and nieces. A service was held Tuesday in Tucson for the family; public services were held at 11 am, Friday, January 9, in the Gratz Evangelical Church, Gratz, PA. A viewing was held from 10 to 11 am on Friday at the church. Interment was next to her beloved Elwood in Union Cemetery, Gratz. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Desert SW Chapter, P O Box 27352, Tucson, AZ 85726. Local arrangements were by Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, PA. Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com